If there is any month or series of games that will make the Rangers look back at points they should have gained but failed to capitalize, the month of December will serve that purpose.
However, if this Rangers team, the same one that was embarrassed in a 4-0 loss at home to the lowly Florida Panthers, is still leading their division by the end of the month, it will be safe to say that the Rangers are a legit contender in the Eastern Conference.
The Rangers will play 12 games (11 teams) in December, and of the 11 teams they play, eight of them have records over .500. The Rangers will have their hands full, as time and travel will not be friendly to them.
The Rangers start the month of December against the Penguins, who have the top two scorers in the NHL as well as hottest players right now, in Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. They will then visit the Canadiens the next night.
The Rangers will also get to face three of the top six teams (starting the month) in the Western Conference in the Sharks, the Ducks, and the Flames. The Sharks and Ducks are part of a three-game road trip out west that also includes facing the Kings.
However, as the Rangers return home for the holidays, they will be greeted by Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals. Home games to end the month include the rival Devils and rival Islanders.
While this month will be a grueling stretch, the Rangers, if they can record a minimum of 15 out of a possible 24 points, will be in good shape for the remainder of the 08-09 season.
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